NICOLO PAGANINI

(1782-1840)

Nicolo Paganini single-handedly revolutionised violin playing, unquestionably the greatest technician the violin world has ever seen. His debut on the concert stage at the age of 11 was followed by a life relentless touring around Europe as a freelance virtuoso. His astonishing ability on the violin gave birth to the myth that he had sold his soul to the Devil (he was a virtuoso guitarist as well!). It is a well-known fact that he used to intentionally damage one or two strings of his violin so that, upon breaking at some unexpected point during his performance, he would happily continue playing the piece on the remaining two or three strings.

Paganini's most famous work is the 24 Caprices for solo violin, a thorough display of virtuosity, musicality and compositional prowess.
 

Nicolo Paganini

Violin Sounds - on the Web since 19th July 2004